Optimised messages containing barcode information for mobile receiving device

ABSTRACT

A system for delivering coupons containing barcodes to a mobile device such as a mobile phone is disclosed. A message processor means ( 106 ) generates message data comprising a coupon. A message optimiser means ( 116 ) generates an optimised message responsive to the message data and the capabilities of the mobile device ( 124 ). Preferably the capabilities of the mobile device comprise device attribute associated with a mobile device type, and are stored in a database means ( 110 ). The optimised message is transmitted to the mobile device. For basic mobile devices, simple text message including barcode number and associated text will be delivered. Otherwise, subject to the mobile device supporting the required display dimensions and colour depth, a barcode image, picture, and/or multimedia content will be delivered.

The present invention relates to coupons, in particular deliveringcoupons containing barcodes to a mobile device.

The display of a mobile device may be used to generate bar codes forreading by a conventional bar code scanner. This has uses in coupon andticket applications. The mobile solution has a number of unique aspectswhen compared to traditional methods such as paper or internet email.These include:

Instant Delivery. The barcode is delivered to the mobile phone almostimmediately.

Reach. The consumer can be reached wherever they are.

Increased Redemption. Unlike paper coupons which may be left behind, amobile phone is normally carried everywhere.

GB Patent Application Number GB2361570 to British Airways discloses amethod of operating a ticketing System. A reservation centre generatesdata representing a ticket which is broadcast to a mobile station e.g. acellular phone. The data from the mobile station can then be used toverify the transaction e.g. via a reader linked to a reservationscomputer. The ticket data can be sent in the form of a text e.g. SMSmessage or in browser readable format and is preferably in machinereadable code. Preferably, the reader is an optical bar or pin codereader. The system is preferably used for air travel. The problems withthe disclosed system are that:

There doesn't appear to be a way of enforcing single redemption of aticket (for security).

It relies on a “SIM toolkit” application in the handset to translate theticket number into a barcode image. It would be advantageous to deliverthe actual barcode image in the message. The SIM toolkit has a number ofproblems. Many network operators discourage or prevent downloading ofapplications into the SIM card. SIM storage is limited and it's harderto update the software on all of the phones.

International Patent Application number WO 01/95267 to Nokia relates tothe provision of goods and services. Receipt data corresponding to apurchase of predetermined goods or a service are downloaded to a mobilehandset and displayed as a bar code. A vending delivery station receivesthe receipt data from the handset and enables the provision of thepurchase goods or service to the customer. In one example, cinematickets are provided, printed by a ticket printer. The problem with thesystem is that it requires the consumer to collect tickets which areprinted by a vending station before entry. It would be advantageous tosimply treat the phone/barcode as a ticket which is scanned at theactual entry point, thus eliminating the queueing/inconvenience andprinting.

The publication discloses MPEG film previews when browsing the cinemaoptions. This is not however included as part of the ticket. It would beadvantageous to provide multimedia tickets to phones that can supporttheir viewing.

GB Patent Application Number GB2362012 to IBM discloses Paying for goodsand services without needing to carry many cards. A customer, who hasregistered information such a credit card number with a server, receivespayment information as an identification code when he/she pays for apurchase at a store. The payment information can be transmittedwirelessly to the cash register in store, or displayed as atwo-dimensional barcode on display of the terminal and read by a barcodereader of the cash register. The payment information is associated withsales information and sent to the server which associates the paymentinformation with the registered information for the customer, seeksapproval from the appropriate credit institution, and sends an approvalnumber to the store. A ticket processing system embodiments is alsodescribed.

The problem with both the Nokia and IBM systems is that they don'tfacilitate operation with a variety of phones with different messagingformats and display or communication capabilities. For example, it wouldbe advantageous for one system to support mobile phones that do or donot support “Picture Messaging” or Bluetooth.

In this document, including the specification and claims, the termcoupon includes vouchers and tickets.

It is an object of the present invention to deliver coupons to a mobiledevice.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda system comprising:

-   -   a message processor means for generating message data comprising        a coupon;    -   a mobile device;    -   a message optimiser means for generating an optimised message        responsive to said message data and the capabilities of said        mobile device; and    -   a communication means for transmitting said optimised message to        said mobile device.        Preferably the system further comprises a database means for        storing capabilities of mobile devices.        Preferably said capabilities comprise at least one device        attribute associated with a mobile device type.        Typically said attribute comprises a display dimension.        Typically said attribute comprises a colour depth.        Preferably said communication means comprises a gateway means        for transmitting said optimised message to a network.        Preferably said communication means further comprises a router        means for selecting a gateway means for message transmission.        Preferably said coupon comprises a barcode number.        Optionally said coupon comprises barcode symbology.        Optionally said coupon comprises a barcode image.        Optionally said coupon comprises text content.        Optionally said optimised message further comprises multimedia        content.        Typically said multimedia content comprises video.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises audio.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises a photograph.        Optionally said system comprises a mobile device type        identifier.        Typically said message data comprises said mobile device type        identifier.        Preferably said message optimiser is responsive to said        capabilities corresponding to said mobile device type        identifier.        Preferably said system further comprises a barcode generator        means for generating barcodes.        Optionally said generated barcodes are random barcodes.        Preferably said system further comprises a barcode encoder means        for encoding barcodes.        According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is        provided a method for delivering a message to a mobile device        comprising the steps of:    -   generating message data comprising a coupon;    -   generating an optimised message responsive to said message data        and the capabilities of said mobile device; and    -   transmitting said optimised message to said mobile device.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of inputting        capabilities of mobile devices.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of storing        capabilities of mobile devices.        Preferably said capabilities comprise at least one device        attribute associated with a mobile device type.        Typically said attribute comprises a display dimension.        Typically said attribute comprises a colour depth.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of        transmitting said optimised message to a network.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of selecting a        gateway means for message transmission.        Preferably said coupon comprises a barcode number.        Optionally said coupon comprises barcode symbology.        Optionally said coupon comprises a barcode image.        Optionally said optimised message further comprises multimedia        content.        Typically said multimedia content comprises video.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises audio.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises a photograph.        Optionally said message data comprises a mobile device type        identifier.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of retrieving        capabilities corresponding to a mobile device type identifier.        Preferably said step of generating an optimised message is        responsive to said retrieved capabilities.        Preferably said step of generating an optimised message        comprises downgrading said generated message data.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of generating        barcodes.        Preferably said generated barcodes are random barcodes.        Preferably said method further comprises the step of encoding        barcodes.        According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is        provided a computer program for carrying out the method        above-described.        According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is        provided a carrier for carrying the computer program.        According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is        provided a message comprising a coupon and multimedia content.        Typically said multimedia content comprises video.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises audio.        Optionally said multimedia content comprises a photograph.        Preferably said coupon comprises a barcode number.        Optionally said coupon comprises barcode symbology.        Optionally said coupon comprises a barcode image.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, anembodiment will now be described by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in schematic form, the core technology platform inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates, in schematic form, the core mobile barcodegeneration, delivery and redemption process in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates, in schematic form, the redemption architecture andprocess in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic form, the mobile barcode generation,delivery and redemption process customised for the retail coupon market;

FIG. 5 illustrates, in schematic form, the mobile barcode generation,delivery and redemption process customised for ticketing applications;

FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, the mobile barcode generation,delivery and redemption process customised for security applications;

The invention is a platform that functions to deliver coupons to amobile device. Typically the coupons contain barcodes that are redeemedby scanning the display of the mobile device.

With reference to FIG. 1, the application 102 interfaces to the coretechnology platform 104 for advanced mobile messaging using XML contentdelivered over the internet http protocol.

The Message Processor 106 is started automatically in response to thedelivery of message content to a specified URL.

The message processor receives the mobile phone number, barcode numberand symbology, handset/device type and additional message content fordelivery to the device. The handset/device type is optional. When it isprovided, it is stored in the database against the mobile number. In thecase of future messages for that mobile number where the device type isnot provided, then the recorded device type is retrieved. This avoidsthe need to capture the handset/device type on multiple occasions or fordifferent purposes such as coupon or ticket delivery.

The message content is provided in XML format, and delivered using thehttp post protocol. The XML is a list of messages containing informationincluding:

Mobile phone number

Barcode number and symbology

Additional text content (optional)

Recipient details such as Name (optional)

Handset and Network details (optional)

The Message Processor 106 processes the messages and stores them in thedatabase for retrieval by the Queue Controller 114.

The Barcode Encoder 108 is invoked to generate barcode images from thebarcode number and symbology. The images are stored as Pictures in thedatabase 110.

Customer systems can be integrated with the mobile messaging platformthrough the message processor 106.

The database 110 stores the following core entities:

-   -   Barcodes—Barcodes with a particular number and symbology    -   Pictures—Pictures (may represent a barcode image)    -   Handset—information on a particular handset including owner        details, mobile number, model, etc.    -   Messages—Outbound and inbound messages    -   Gateways—Network messaging gateways        The barcode encoder 108 generates the barcode image for a        specified barcode and symbology. The resulting picture is stored        in the database 110 in binary form. The encoder supports both        linear barcodes such as EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, etc. as well as 2D        barcodes such as DataMatrix, PDF-417, etc.        A similar approach can be used for other advanced message types        such as smart tickets.        The Message Engine 112 starts a separate queue controller 114        for each message priority level (1-3). The Message engine 112        also starts the gateways 120.        The Queue Controllers 114 poll the database 110 at periodic        intervals to retrieve all messages with the relevant priority.        The messages are then fed through the Message Optimiser 116 and        Message Routers 118 and out through the selected gateway 120.        The Message Optimiser 116 chooses the optimal message format        depending on the capabilities of the target handset. For basic        handsets, a simple text message will be delivered. Otherwise,        subject to the handset supporting the required display        dimensions and colour depth, pictures are delivered using the        richest format available.        The Message Optimiser 116 overcomes many of the problems        inherent with known methods. In particular, the wide range of        device types/models and message protocols restrict many        alternative solutions to providing support for only a limited        number of users. Devices can vary in their support for        particular picture messaging protocols such as Nokia Smart        Messaging or EMS (Enhanced Message Service). Device display        capabilities such as display resolution also constrain the        barcode symbologies and codes that may be represented. The        present invention enables a comprehensive support of the        installed base of devices to be provided.        The Message Optimiser 116 takes the barcode image generated by        the Barcode Encoder 108, and device type and optimises the        messages for transmission based on the capabilities of the        target handset.        Where the target device does not have sufficient capability to        receive or represent the message correctly, the content is        downgraded accordingly. Ultimately, for a handset that supports        only SMS text messaging, then the barcode number and associated        text is transmitted. E.g. “Barcode <12345670>. Ticket for Event        at Venue on Date”. In the case of a text-only barcode, the        barcode is redeemed by keying-in the number. This is also the        common, automatic approach when a barcode image fails to scan.        The downgrading of the content is controlled by a hierarchy of        rules based on the device capability. This includes:        1. MMS support        2. EMS support        3. Nokia Smart Message support        4. Display Resolution        If the display resolution is insufficient to represent the        barcode, then the message is downgraded to text.        A table of device attributes associated with a device type is        maintained in the database 110. This table includes the        following information:        1. Handset/Device Type        2. MMS Support        3. EMS Support        4. Nokia Smart Message Support        5. Display Resolution        6. Colour Depth (1=mono)        7. Bluetooth support        8. Java support        Where the handset model is not known, then the capabilities of        the database device entry with id of “DEFAULT” are assumed. This        enables such behaviour to be controlled. i.e. whether to assume        that an unknown handset supports Nokia picture messages or not.        The barcode image can also be a 2D barcode. A 2D barcode enables        a larger amount of information to be contained within the        barcode.        If the device has a multimedia capability, then messages can        also be enhanced by the addition of moving video, colour images,        and audio clips. Mobile phones may support MMS (Multimedia        Messaging Service). In this case a ticket for a music concert        could include a short piece of video of the band, an image of        the cover of the new album, and an audio clip for a recently        released track in addition to the barcode. Similarly, in order        to promote a brand, a coupon could contain a video clip and        audio from a TV advertisement in addition to the barcode. In        security applications, a photograph could be included with the        barcode.        The message router 118 chooses the optimal network gateway based        on rules stored in the database. Multiple gateway connections        can be supported for load balancing and scalability. Where there        is more than one possible route, the gateway with the lowest        latency is chosen.        The gateways 120 are the route to the external SMS gateways or        SMS centres over a network. The gateways 120 maintain a queue of        messages sorted by priority. A number of different SMS gateway        technologies are supported including XML/http, SMPP, GSM        terminals, etc. Alternatively the gateway 120 can be an email        gateway, delivering the messages as an email message. Pictures        may be attached as a GIF image.        The SMS gateway 122 is a gateway to the mobile network short        messaging service. Alternatively, this may be a direct        connection to the mobile network operator's messaging centre.        The SMS gateway may support enhanced messages (EMS) such as        picture messages. The SMS gateway may be a multi-media message        (MMS) gateway for delivery of multimedia messages including        high-resolution colour images and video.        The mobile handset 124 can be a mobile phone or other        wireless-enabled device such as a PDA.        The core technology platform 104 supports processes in a number        of applications. Additional components are defined to support        the specific steps in such solutions. Thus the system also may        include an Automatic Download component 126 and a Random Barcode        Generator component 128 for customisation of the system as        described below for retail coupon and security applications        respectively.        With reference to FIG. 2 the core mobile barcode generation,        delivery, and redemption process 200 is depicted.        The consumer opts-in to receive barcodes by registering (step        202) with the supplier. Registration may be through a variety of        channels including internet web site, telephone call centre,        paper forms, or text message.        The registration details are stored in the database (step 204).        The database contains customer contact and profiling        information. This information includes:

Customer details and contact information including mobile number andpossibly name, email address, postal address, photograph, etc.

Customer demographics including age, sex, etc.

Customer preferences

Customer buying history

In the Target Profile step (step 206), an offer for a product, service,or information is matched with the database of customer profiles. Thematching criteria may include one or more of:

Demographics

Preferences/Product Criteria

Buying History

The result of the match is a list of mobile numbers for contact purposesand profile information for message personalisation.

The specified barcodes are generated from the number(s) provided anddelivered (step 208) to the list of mobile numbers using the messagingplatform. This step is expanded towards the right hand side of FIG. 2.

After inputting and storing (step 210) device attributes defining thedevice capabilities in the database and inputting (step 212) a devicetype identifier (e.g. model of mobile phone), the system generates (step214) message data comprising a coupon and optionally the device typeidentifier.

The system retrieves (step 216) device attributes defining the devicecapabilities corresponding to the mobile device type identifier andgenerates (step 218) an optimised message responsive to the message dataand the retrieved capabilities.

Finally in the delivery step, the system transmits (step 220) theoptimised message to the target mobile device via one or more gatewaysthrough a network.

The delivery of a barcode is recorded in the database for subsequentauthentication purposes.

The barcode is redeemed (step 222) in the same way as any productcontaining a barcode, by scanning the mobile phone display using aconventional barcode scanner. An alternative to scanning the barcode forredemption could be to use Bluetooth or an alternative radio orelectro-magnetic transmission method.

The barcode is authenticated (step 224) by examining the barcodedelivery records and retrieving the associated customer details. Thecustomer details, possibly including a photograph, may be displayed on acomputer display for human validation.

Barcode redemption is recorded in the database for audit purposes.

If this barcode is to be redeemed only once, then the barcode record inthe database is marked as redeemed, and cannot be redeemed again.

With reference to FIG. 3, the redemption process 300 is shown. In thecase of a coupon, the barcode is sent to the mobile device 302 and isscanned at the outlet or venue 304, and the number is used to identifythe offer by searching the database in the core technology platform 104according to the present invention. In the case of a single-redemptionbarcode such as a ticket, the barcode is validated against the database306. The barcode entry in the database is then marked as ‘redeemed’ toprevent multiple redemption of the same barcode.

Specific solutions based on the core technology platform are defined andwill be presented below for a number of markets:

Retail Coupons

Ticketing

Security

With reference to FIG. 4, the mobile barcode solution process 400 iscustomised for the retail coupon market. The mobile barcode represents adiscount coupon which is redeemed by scanning in a retail outlet.

Barcodes representing discount coupons may be redeemed multiple timeswithout any authentication. Indeed, viral marketing may be encouragedthrough forwarding of the mobile barcode to friends and family.

In FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, each of the steps having numbering common with FIG.2 are described above.

The Coupon Download (“pull”) (step 402) is initiated by a consumer via anumber of channels including:

Web site

Telephone

Mobile text Message sent to a supplier mobile number

In each case, the recipient's mobile number is captured in order thatthe mobile barcode coupon may be delivered (step 404).

The solution builds on the core process with an Automatic Downloadcomponent 126 shown in FIG. 1. The automatic download component 126 isinvoked from a web site, automated telephone system, or through receiptof a text message. The component 126 takes the mobile number and barcodenumber and invokes the Message Processor 106 using XML/http to deliverthe mobile barcode.

With reference to FIG. 5, the mobile barcode solution process 500 iscustomised for ticketing applications. The mobile barcode represents aticket that is redeemed by scanning the phone display at the venue.

Specific steps in the mobile ticketing solution are:

Deliver Promotional Message (step 502)

Purchase (step 504)

With reference to FIG. 5, the first steps (down to but not includingPurchase (step 504)) are optional.

An example promotional message might be:

Ticket available for Sat. Call 0800 123456 or reply “1” to buy.

The promotional message may be delivered as a simple text message, ormight be a richer message including text and pictures.

The purchase may be achieved through a number of channels including:

Ticket sales call centre

Web site

Text message reply

Payment may be received through one of many existing methods includingcredit card and existing account. When payment is accepted, then themobile barcode ticket is delivered (step 506).

As the Message Processor supports simple text messages as well as moresophisticated data (barcodes), the promotional message is deliveredusing the core platform.

The ticket purchase is achieved using traditional methods.

With reference to FIG. 6, the mobile barcode solution process 600 iscustomised for security applications. The mobile barcode represents anidentity that is validated by scanning the phone display. Uponvalidation, access can be granted to a secure location, or a product canbe provided.

There is an automatic random barcode generation step 602. A new randombarcode may optionally be generated and delivered every time a barcodeis redeemed.

The solution builds on the core process with the Random barcodegenerator component 128 shown in FIG. 1. The Random barcode generator128 automatically generates a random barcode number. The barcode numbergenerated is unique amongst unredeemed barcodes in the database.

Key features of the solutions described herein are:

Targetting using a customer profile database

Dynamic barcode image generation from barcode number and symbology

Delivery of barcode to mobile phone or other wireless device

Redemption and authentication of barcode by scanning display

Specific processes for particular applications

The solutions described above are implemented using Java 2 EnterpriseEdition, SQL, and XML (extensible markup language). Alternativetechnologies could however be used to implement the solutions describedabove.

Although the embodiments of the invention described with reference tothe drawings comprise computer apparatus and processes performed incomputer apparatus, the invention also extends to computer programs,particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for puttingthe invention into practice. The program may be in the form of sourcecode, object code, a code of intermediate source and object code such asin partially compiled form suitable for use in the implementation of theprocesses according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity ordevice capable of carrying the program.

For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as ROM, forexample a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium,for example, floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be atransmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which maybe conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means.

When the program is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed directlyby a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted bysuch cable or other device or means.

Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which theprogram is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted forperforming, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

Further modifications and improvements may be added without departingfrom the scope of the invention herein described.

1-37. (canceled)
 38. A system comprising; a mobile device; a databasemeans for storing the capabilities of mobile devices; a mobile devicetype identifier associated with said mobile device; a message processormeans for generating message data comprising a coupon; a messageoptimizer means for generating an optimized message responsive to saidmessage data and responsive to the stored capabilities corresponding tosaid mobile device type identifier; and a communication means fortransmitting said optimized message to said mobile device.
 39. Thesystem according to claim 3.8, characterized in that said capabilitiescomprise at least one device attribute associated with a mobile devicetype.
 40. The system according to claim 39, characterized in that saiddevice attribute comprises a display dimension and a colour depth. 41.The system according to claim 38, characterized in that saidcommunication means comprises a gateway means for transmitting saidoptimised message to a network.
 42. The system according to claim 41,characterized in that said communication means comprises a router meansfor selecting the gateway means for message transmission.
 43. The systemaccording to claim 38, characterized in that said coupon comprises abarcode number, barcode symbology, a barcode image, and text content.44. The system according to claim 38, characterized in that saidoptimised message comprises multimedia content.
 45. The system accordingto claim 44, characterized in that said multimedia content is selectedfrom the group consisting of video, audio, a photograph and combinationsthereof.
 46. The system according to claim 38, characterized in thatsaid message data further comprises said mobile device type identifier.47. The system according to claim 38, characterized in that said systemfurther comprises a barcode generator means for generating barcodes. 48.The system according claim 47, characterized in that said generatedbarcodes are random barcodes.
 49. The system according to claim 47,characterized in that said system further comprises a barcode encodermeans for encoding said generated barcodes.
 50. A method for deliveringa message to a mobile device comprising the steps of: inputtingcapabilities of mobile devices; storing said capabilities of mobiledevices; generating message data comprising a coupon and a mobile devicetype identifier associated with said mobile device; retrieving thestored capabilities corresponding to said mobile device type identifier;generating an optimised message responsive to said message data and saidretrieved capabilities; and transmitting said optimised message to saidmobile device.
 51. The method according to claim 50, characterized inthat said capabilities comprise at least one device attribute associatedwith a mobile device type.
 52. The method according to claim 50,characterized in that said device attribute comprises a displaydimension and a colour depth.
 53. The method according to claim 50,characterized in that said method further comprises the step oftransmitting said optimised message to a network.
 54. The methodaccording to claim 50, characterized in that said method furthercomprises the step of selecting a gateway means for messagetransmission.
 55. The method according to claim 50, characterized inthat said coupon comprises a barcode number, barcode symbology, and abarcode image.
 56. The method according to claim 50, characterized inthat said optimised message comprises multimedia content.
 57. The methodaccording to claim 56, characterized in that said multimedia content isselected from a group consisting of video, audio, a photograph andcombinations thereof.
 58. The method according to claim 50,characterized in that said step of generating the optimised messagecomprises downgrading said generated message data.
 59. The methodaccording to claim 50, characterized in that said method furthercomprises the step of generating barcodes.
 60. The method according toclaim 59, characterized in that said generated barcodes are randombarcodes.
 61. The method according to claim 59, characterized in thatsaid method further comprises the step of encoding said generatedbarcodes.
 62. A computer-readable medium whose contents cause a systemto perform a method comprising the steps of: inputting capabilities ofmobile devices; storing said capabilities of mobile devices; generatingmessage data comprising a coupon and a mobile device type identifierassociated with said mobile device; retrieving the stored capabilitiescorresponding to said mobile device type identifier; generating anoptimised message responsive to said message data and said retrievedcapabilities; and transmitting said optimised message to said mobiledevice.